rewrite this title US Open LIVE: Sinner fitness update ahead of controversial new mixed doubles event

Jannik Sinner was not specifically asked whether he would skip the US Open mixed doubles after pulling out of the Cincinnati Open final with illness, but the 24-year-old did say that he now “a couple of days of recovery” before the start of his US Open singles defence latest this week.

“I love Grand Slams a lot. This is the main, main tournaments for my season and for my career,” Sinner said.

“So US Open is going to be tough tournament, but in the same time, I’m looking forward to it. If I’m ready, physically and mentally, I will be ready to push.

So as I said, now a couple of days of recovery, and then we get again back to work, and hopefully we’ll be ready. So for sure, the main goal here in the US.”

Sinner was clearly out of sorts on a hot day in Ohio and lost his serve three times before pulling out from the match. The 24-year-old apologised to the crowd and confirmed he started feeling ill the day before, with his condition worsening on the day of the final.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have a budding rivalry and yesterday’s Cincinnati Open final was set to be the latest in a series of epic encounters between the two.

That was not to be and Alcaraz sent a message to Sinner on X after his withdrawal.

It read: “I’m so sorry for Jannik!

“Nobody likes to win because their opponent retires, especially in a final like this. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

“Very happy with my week in Cincinnati and feeling ready for the US Open!”

The main news this morning concerns men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

He faced Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open final yesterday and had to withdraw with the opening set 5-0 in Alcaraz’s favour due to illness.

He knew he wasn’t feeling good before the match but wanted to attempt to play before realising he could not compete in such a state.

Sinner is scheduled on court later today alongside partner Katerina Siniakova but is seems likely he will pull out of the mixed doubles as well.

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the US Open where we begin with the controversial mixed doubles event set to precede the Grand Slam and be played over the next couple of days.

Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz partner each other in a blockbuster pairing with Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula are the No.1 seeds.

Jannik Sinner is scheduled to feature alongside Katerina Siniakova but this event comes less than 24 hours after he withdrew from the Cincinnati Open final with illness and it is doubtful he will have recovered in time.

We’ll have all the latest news and build-up throughout the day ahead of the event kicking off around 4pm BST this afternoon.